Helping Kids Build Healthy Dental Habits For Life

Children sometimes have difficulty with brushing their teeth regularly and on time. This is to be expected: Youngsters have a lot of growing to do, and brushing your teeth can sure seem boring for a child!

However, it’s very important that you do your best to help kids understand the importance of brushing. The sooner they realize this, the more healthy their teeth are likely to be as they grow into adults.

Children start to lose their baby teeth around age six, and by twelve or thirteen, they will all be replaced by adult teeth. However, it’s still good to model healthy habits for kids beginning in the early years:

— Kids who make a habit of brushing are more likely to continue it as adults.
— Brushing regularly as a young person will help support long-lasting gum health.
— Brushing can help kids to start forming healthy life habits in other areas of life.

How To Help Kids Get Used To Brushing

Generally speaking, you should start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they start to appear. For most children, the process starts around four months. After the initial tooth sprouts, the rest will follow very quickly!

Kids don’t usually start brushing their own teeth until age six or so — just when the permanent teeth start coming in. Before that, they may not be coordinated enough to brush their own teeth.

When brushing a child’s teeth or supervising it yourself, remember to use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. More than this can lead to accidental swallowing.

Adults might consider brushing their teeth after every meal. For children, however, this can lead to a lot of fuss. Remember to brush a child’s teeth at least twice a day: Once in the morning and once in the evening. Make it as routine as you can.

Common Concerns And Complaints About Brushing

The most common concern about brushing a child’s teeth is mouth sensitivity. Young people can find ordinary toothpaste and mouthwash to be unpleasant. You can use more mild toothpaste to make things easier.

Some children may need to be supervised when brushing longer than others. Consider offering the youngster a small treat or reward — for the next day — after they brush if they are recalcitrant. Brushing teeth can be a great way to teach responsibility and restraint: Youngsters should get used to brushing their teeth after enjoying cake, for example!

Good dental care for children is key to helping them maintain healthy behaviors throughout their lives. To help, introduce them to a friendly dentist at Stony Brook Family Dentistry. Ours is the dentist’s office your neighbors trust! To book an appointment, call or email today.